New exit and entry regulations will come into force in China on 15 September 2026, affecting both Chinese citizens travelling overseas and foreign nationals entering China.

State Council Order No. 841, the Regulations of the State Council on the Administration of Exit and Entry, does not restrict normal tourism, family visits or business travel. Instead, it strengthens requirements for the authenticity of travel information and supporting documents, with a focus on preventing fraudulent applications and false documentation.

For Chinese Citizens Travelling Overseas

✅ Travel information must be genuine

The purpose of your trip must be truthful. Immigration authorities may ask about your travel plans and request supporting documents such as flight tickets, hotel bookings or invitation letters.

Providing false documents, fabricating an itinerary or misrepresenting your travel purpose may result in travel documents being refused or departure being denied.

✅ Safety warnings for high-risk destinations

Travellers heading to destinations affected by armed conflict, serious security incidents or other major risks may receive safety warnings during passport applications or border checks.

In serious cases, departure may be restricted where permitted by law. Ordinary tourist destinations will not be affected.

✅ Restrictions may apply in specific cases

Certain individuals may be prohibited from leaving China for six months to three years, including those who have been penalised for illegal entry or exit, fraud involving travel documents, or certain activities affecting national security.

For ordinary tourists, family visitors and students, there is no change as long as all information and documents are genuine.

For Foreign Nationals Entering China

The requirements apply to foreign nationals entering China by visa, visa-free arrangements or transit visa exemptions.

✅ False information may lead to an entry ban

Submitting false documents or making false statements when applying for a Chinese visa or entering China may result in a one-to-five-year ban on entry, depending on the circumstances. A visa or entry may also be refused.

A normal change of hotel or itinerary does NOT automatically constitute a false statement, provided the change is genuine and can be reasonably explained.

However, forged invitation letters, false financial documents, fabricated itineraries or deliberately misleading information may result in penalties.

✅ Invitation letters must be genuine

Individuals and businesses issuing invitation letters to foreign nationals are responsible for ensuring that the information is accurate.

• Individuals: RMB 5,000–10,000 fine for issuing false invitation letters.
• Businesses: RMB 10,000–50,000 fine, with the responsible individual also subject to penalties.

The foreign national concerned may also be refused entry or banned from entering China for one to five years.

✅ Existing visa-free policies remain in place

China’s existing entry facilitation measures, including unilateral visa-free entry and 240-hour visa-free transit, remain in effect.

For travellers who comply with the relevant requirements, the main change is stronger verification of the authenticity of travel information and the consistency between the stated purpose of entry and actual activities in China.

Travel Reminder

The above is a general overview of the new regulations. The latest guidance from China’s National Immigration Administration and border inspection authorities should be taken as the definitive reference.

Before travelling, make sure your travel purpose, supporting documents and application information are accurate and consistent.

If you need assistance with overseas travel, visas for foreign nationals visiting China or travel documentation, please contact us for professional advice and travel support.